Downers Grove-based Sara Lee is getting out of the kosher meat business. The company Wednesday announced it will close its hot dog and meat processing plant in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood.
The South Side plant closing means about 185 workers will lose their jobs within the next three months. The move comes as Sara Lee eliminates brands such as Best’s Kosher and Sinai Kosher. Mike Cummins is a spokesperson for Sara Lee. He says kosher meats aren’t as profitable for the company as its other products.CUMMINS: The kosher meat business is really a smaller, niche business for us, so it’s not something that we’re going to be able to focus on going forward.
Cummins says Sara Lee bought the plant and brands 15 years ago. The company also will close the Sinai Kosher outlet store on the property.